AC Milan missed the chance to secure an automatic place in the Champions League last 16 after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.
Dinamo, needing a win to keep their knockout hopes alive, started aggressively and took the lead through Martin Baturina, who capitalised on a loose touch from Matteo Gabbia before slotting past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Milan, already assured of progression but aiming for a top-eight finish, were reduced to 10 men when Yunus Musah received a second yellow card for pulling back Luka Stojkovic on the edge of the penalty area.
The Croatian side should have doubled their lead before halftime, but Sandro Kulenovic missed a golden opportunity, side-footing wide with only Maignan to beat. Stojkovic appeared to have added a second early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the buildup.
Milan responded immediately, with Christian Pulisic levelling the score after his low strike slipped under Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic. However, Dinamo restored their lead on the hour mark as Marko Pjaca rifled a shot into the bottom corner from a tight angle.
Milan had a penalty overturned minutes later after Rafael Leão was ruled to have fouled a defender before being brought down by Nevistic.
Despite the win, Dinamo failed to reach the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, Milan’s defeat means they must navigate the play-off round, where they will face either Feyenoord or Serie A rivals Juventus for a place in the last 16.
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